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Norfloxacin >> Consumer Information
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Norfloxacin CAS number 70458-96-7
WARNING: This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g.,
tendinitis, tendon rupture) during or after treatment. Your risk for tendon
problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking
corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have had a kidney, heart or
lung transplant. Stop exercising, rest, and seek immediate medical attention
if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling.
USES: Norfloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It
works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus
infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any
antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice a day, at
least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or dairy products (e.g., milk,
yogurt). Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). The
dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Drink
plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you
otherwise.
Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any
drugs that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include
quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered
tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Follow
the same instructions if you take calcium-enriched juice, bismuth
subsalicylate, sucralfate, iron, and zinc. These medications/products bind
with norfloxacin and prevent its full absorption.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a
constant level. It is important not to miss a dose. To help you remember,
take this medication at the same times every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is
finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the
medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may
result in a return of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, or
headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side
effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, confusion,
hallucinations, depression, rare thoughts of suicide), shaking (tremors),
sunburn (sun sensitivity).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side
effects occur: unusual bruising/bleeding, signs of a new infection (e.g.,
new/persistent fever, persistent sore throat), seizures, unusual change in
the amount of urine, signs of liver problems (e.g., unusual tiredness,
stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin,
dark urine), vision changes.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side
effects occur: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
Norfloxacin may rarely cause serious nerve problems that may be reversible
if identified and treated early. Seek immediate medical attention if you
develop any of the following symptoms:
pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in any part of the body, changes in
how you sense touch/pain/temperature/body position/vibration.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking norfloxacin, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics such
as ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin; or
if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your
doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low levels of
potassium or magnesium in the blood, certain metabolic disorder (G6PD
deficiency), diabetes, family history of a certain heart problem (QT
prolongation in the EKG), heart problems (e.g., slow/fast/irregular
heartbeat, heart failure, recent heart attack), joint/tendon problems (e.g.,
tendonitis, bursitis), kidney disease, certain muscle problem (myasthenia
gravis), nervous system disorder (e.g., peripheral neuropathy), seizure
disorder, conditions that increase your risk of seizures (e.g., brain/head
injury, brain tumors, cerebral atherosclerosis). This medication may rarely
cause serious changes in blood sugar levels, especially if you have
diabetes. Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar including increased thirst
and urination. Also watch for symptoms of low blood sugar such as
nervousness, shakiness, fast heartbeat, sweating, or hunger. Check your
blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor and report any changes. If
you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, you may raise your blood sugar
by using glucose tablets/gel or eating a quick source of sugar such as table
sugar, honey, or candy, or drinking fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your
doctor immediately about the reaction and the use of this product. To help
prevent low blood sugar,
eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals.
This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Use caution while driving,
using machinery, or taking part in any activity that requires alertness.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun
exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective
clothing when outdoors.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C)
away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30
degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines
away from children and pets.
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